Whale Rescued After Getting Caught in Ropes: Big Pics
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Jan. 24, 2011 -- A North Atlantic Right Whale will pull through after being freed from 200 feet of rope, thanks to the efforts of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists and its state and non-profit partners.
The trapped whale was originally spotted Christmas Day off the coast of Florida. A 150-foot section of rope was removed but more remained. The whale finally received the belated Christmas gift of freedom on January 15 after calm weather allowed a second mission. In the meantime, the scientists used a satellite tracking tag to follow her.
New Oil Rig Threatens Endangered Whales
The young female whale was finally freed from the last 50 feet of rope after the scientists used sedatives to calm her down. This is only the second time a free-swimming whale has been freed after receiving sedation. The first time was in 2009.
The 30-foot female was born during the 2008-2009 calving season, and is a member of a highly endangered species. Only 300-400 of the whales remain after whalers decided that the species was the "right" whale to hunt for oil and other commodities. The whale's habit of swimming slowly close to shore and a tendency to float after death made the whales easy targets.
By Tim Wall
Photos: EcoHealth Alliance/NOAA; In the top photo, scientists work to untangle the whale from the ropes after sedating her. In the bottom photo, the whale swims freely.
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